Catholic Charities of Larimer County helps fill big, small needs

Nonprofit agency assists clients with everything from bus passes to finding a place to live.

Dec. 6, 2012

Written by

For the Beacon

When many might say they want to help those struggling with homelessness or poverty, the reality of locating assistance can easily become overwhelming. Most simply give up.

“Caseworkers have special hearts. Most of us would just say ‘I can’t do this,’ but they keep going until they find a solution,” explained Glenn Good, regional director of Catholic Charities of Larimer County. The longtime nonprofit agency helps people with limited needs, such as those who need bus passes or warm clothing or help paying utility bills, all the way to those in crisis, such as homelessness.

The agency is one of eight recipient nonprofits of the Northern Colorado Empty Stocking Fund, a fundraising effort that funnels 100 percent of its donations to help those in need. Last year, the Empty Stocking Fund contributed $13,577 to Catholic Charities of Larimer County.

“It gets harder in winter” to provide services, Good explained. “That’s when our stocking is empty.”

In the last fiscal year, Catholic Charities provided:

• 930 people with emergency shelter

• 165 people with identification documents

• 478 with local bus passes

• 186 people with prescription assistance

• 839 households with utility assistance

• 201 information and referral services to seniors (age 60 and older)

• 125 case management services to seniors

• 78,738 meals to shelter residences and community members

Jackie Marks is a one of the caseworkers who won’t quit when it comes to finding help for others.

“I’m motivated by the clients — how hard they work,” Marks said.

She said her reward comes when clients emerge from their difficult situations; many return to volunteer for Catholic Charities. “It’s great when they come out on the other side.”